Genuinely Surprised

Katie's words stung more than Jason would want to admit. He hadn't expected her to get so upset, and her hand under his felt like ice, as did her tone. His eyes grow dim as he listens, hardly able to believe what she was saying. What was happening here?

As she quiets, Jason's eyes lower. He didn't know whether to withdraw, stay, leave, say something or say nothing. He couldn't remember a time he'd felt so confused. And it hurt.

"I've never been, or ever will be ashamed of you." He responds calmly even though he was deeply upset. "I can't believe you just asked me that." His fingers move around hers a little, but he wasn't even sure if she wanted him to caress her hand or pull away.

Swallowing the urge to yell at her, he finally raises his eyes again. "Since I was in high school, TJY has been my life. I had friends but never had time to get close to anybody or socialize. I never knew until now how much I missed out on. Since meeting back up with some of those old friends, I've been able to reconnect... get to know them again... fill in the blanks from when I was a kid." He shakes his head. "It's something I need, Katie... It's helping me learn to feel things again... and I wish you wouldn't condemn me for it."

He pauses, still trying his hardest to keep control over his emotions, as rampant and strange as they all felt. "I'm sorry you've apparently felt left out - that wasn't my intention. But to me, there's a difference between spending time with a group of friends and going out alone with someone. I trust you, Katie, but I don't trust Hunter, and I'd feel a whole lot better if you'd quit spending time alone with him. It just... dates or not, it just..." He sighs, fishing for the right words and fearing he was just making things worse. "I didn't say anything before because I figured it would pass. But now... with you still seeing him... it isn't right... and I'm genuinely surprised you don't see that."